Gary Wayne Pochyla
June 2, 1949 – September 21, 2024

Gary Wayne Pochyla died peacefully surrounded by his friends on September 21, 2024, at the age of 75. Gary was born in Sugar Land, Texas on June 2, 1949. He attended Lamar Consolidated High School and received a degree in Geography from Sam Houston State University.

Gary spent the first 17 years of his career at First National Bank of Richmond and its successor banks until 1990 to start a family office for Bert F. Winston, Sr. which became Old South Plantation, Inc., and later, other local families needing business and property management. Gary took pride in the decisions he made for Old South Plantation, Inc. and the dramatic growth it has enjoyed to this day is due to Gary's stewardship. His
commitment to serving others and steadfast determination to see that right prevailed earned him the trust of many people whose estates he protected and managed. Gary had a faithful and able business associate in Karen Carr. After 47 years of Gary and Karen working together, he was a close friend and he was loved and thought of as a part of the family. As Gary's health deteriorated over the past 2 years, Karen brought him into her home to be his caregiver along with the help of the staff of Touching Hearts at Home of Fort Bend.

Gary is predeceased by his father, Adolph "Sonny" Pochyla, Jr., and mother, Martha Jean Pochyla. He grew up in Rosenberg where he made life-long friends. Gary's father was a long-serving building inspector in Rosenberg after returning from service in General Patton's Third United States Army where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Gary's parents and their close circle of friends in law enforcement and medicine – among them Dr. Gus Yelderman, Travis Anderson, Ted Schulz, Ted Turrichi, George Wingate and Texas Ranger Bob Elder - forged Gary's values about trust, honor and service.

Gary married Linda Pochyla in May, 1973, and while they divorced in 2013, remained close friends with Linda helping care for him (and his beloved dogs) to the end.

Some of Gary's favorite things were going to the mountains, hunting, fishing, checking the cattle and his dogs. Gary never met a stranger and always made an effort to meet new people. He loved to share his interests with others. Many a youth received his or her first (fully equipped) tackle box from Gary. Gary saw the positive in all things and tried to make others' lives better.

Gary is survived by his many friends, fellow directors and officers of several organizations and employees who listened to his counsel, admired his determination and who were often entertained by his lively, yet true, stories. Gary could hold court at a campfire until the sun came up. He loved animals, the outdoors, hunting and fishing – and even some people! (He displayed a sign outside his door that read: The more people I meet, the more I like my dog!) Actually, though, he had many dear, close friends, all of whom were fortunate to be in that number.

Friends are cordially invited to a Memorial Service to be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4 to 6 o'clock pm at Palm Grove at Old South Plantation, 5227 Skinner Lane, Richmond, Texas 77406.

Condolence messages may be written for the family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.